Summary

As the holiday season draws to a close—a time when many families across King County adopt a new furry friend—Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) have released their list of 2021’s top names for dogs and cats in King County.

Story

As the holiday season draws to a close—a time when many families across King County adopt a new furry friend—Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) have released their list of 2021’s top names for dogs and cats in King County.

“Licensing your pet provides a level of assurance that if your beloved dog or cat ever becomes lost, you will have a helping hand to get them back home,” said Dunn. “In addition, the licensing fees covers the many humane services that RASKC provides, including investigation of animal cruelty and adoption services—so you know your dollars will go to help not only your own pet, but many others.”

Gene Mueller, D.V.M., the manager of RASKC noted, “Licensing our pets helps protect them if they ever become lost. You can register your pet’s microchip along with your pet license record so if a pet slips away without a collar, our field officers and the RASKC shelter can quickly reunite you with your pet. It provides great peace of mind.”  

This year, King County residents have registered 66,279 dogs and 27,020 cats. Here are the most popular pet names:

Top 10 Dog Names

1)      Bella

2)      Lucy

3)      Max

4)      Charlie

5)      Buddy

6)      Daisy

7)      Luna

8)      Bailey

9)      Cooper

10)   Molly

Top 10 Cat Names

1)      Luna

2)      Lucy

3)      Bella

4)      Max

5)      Shadow

6)      Charlie

7)      Kitty

8)      Jack

9)      Lily

10)   Oliver

This list comes from pet license applications submitted to RASKC, which serves nearly one million residents living in 24 cities and unincorporated communities throughout King County.

If a licensed pet is lost, the finder can call the phone number on the pet’s tag – a service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to quickly reunite them with their owner. Pets receive a free ride home the first time they’re found, allowing owners to skip a trip to the shelter. Pet licenses also help fund RASKC and the important work it does.

In addition to handling lost pets and injured animals, pet license fees contribute to RASKC’s other vital duties, including animal neglect and cruelty investigations, spay/neuter programs, pet adoption services, and other work to humanely and compassionately assist local animals.

You can purchase pet licenses online, or at more than 70 convenient locations around the county, including many city halls and QFC stores. Learn more at Regional Animal Service of King County’s website, kingcounty.gov/pets.

For more information, please contact Cameron Satterfield, Communications Manager, Department of Executive Services at cameron.satterfield@kingcounty.gov.